Notice of Press Conference on Thursday, 07/03 at 11 am at Hennepin County Gov’t Center

July 2, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media Contact: Nekima Levy Armstrong

Email: nekimalevyarmstrong@gmail.com

Phone: 612-598-0559

Black Parents and Community Leaders to Hold Press Conference in Response to Recent Gun Violence

Minneapolis, MN — On Thursday, July 3rd at 11:00 a.m., a coalition of Black parents, youth-serving organizations, and community members will hold a press conference at the Hennepin County Government Center to raise urgent concerns about the recent surge in gun violence impacting local families.

In the past several weeks, multiple young Black women—some of them mothers—have been murdered at public gatherings, including parks. Most recently, a Black child was shot and killed near a park, deepening the grief and trauma experienced by the community.

“Parks should be safe spaces for children and families to gather, play, and enjoy life,” said Nekima Levy Armstrong, civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network. “Instead, we are seeing these spaces become sites of violence and tragedy. Enough is enough.”

Raeisha Williams, Executive Director of Guns Down Love Up, added:

“We are burying Black women and men while those in power bury their responsibility. This isn’t just a public safety failure—it’s a moral one. Our lives are being sacrificed while gun traffickers roam free. We don’t need more thoughts and prayers—we need action and accountability.”

Satara Strong-Allen, Executive Director of Love First, emphasized the importance of healing over harm:

“It’s time to break the cycle. We must teach and practice conflict resolution and restorative approaches to heal our communities—rather than internalize white supremacist ideologies that condition us to meet harm with more harm.”

Gun violence continues to be a crisis in Black communities, leaving behind devastation, fear, and countless unsolved cases. In response, organizers will issue a heartfelt plea:

• To young people: Put the guns down. The harm and loss are too great to ignore.
• To parents and caregivers: Stay vigilant about your children’s whereabouts and peer groups—especially with the Fourth of July weekend approaching.
• To public officials: Crack down on gun traffickers who are flooding our streets with illegal weapons and fueling the violence claiming our loved ones.

WHAT: Press Conference on Gun Violence in the Black Community

WHEN: Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Main lobby, Hennepin County Government Center

ADDRESS: 300 S. 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415

WHO:

• Racial Justice Network
• Guns Down Love Up
• Love First
• Black Lives Matter Minnesota
• Parents, youth advocates, and community members